Developing a Multidimensional Strategy for Water Eco-Environmental Protection in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration: An Integrated SWOT-PROMETHEE-AHP Approach

Abstract

Lack of systematic attention to water eco-environmental protection (WEEP) leads to the inadequate comprehension of the relationship between urbanization and eco-environment, restricting sustainable development. This study introduced an innovative multidimensional WEEP strategy development model that simultaneously evaluated qualitative and quantitative indices, such as socioeconomic development, pollutant emissions, water resources, ecology, and environmental governance. The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region was chosen as the case of urban agglomeration. Results indicated that a transition from a threat-led approach to a strength-led approach was essential to improve the WEEP level in BTH. Regional strategic zoning minimized the suitability error caused by the random error of regional environmental factors. WEEP strategies were further proposed at an administrative city level based on the contribution of specific indicators for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, mitigating the suitability error caused by the random error of specific factors in different cities. Similar dominant indices may be identified in cities belonging to different strategic zones, while they may vary widely in cities belonging to a strategic zone. The integrated model established in this study provides valuable insight into strategy development at both regional and administrative city levels under systematic consideration, highlighting future WEEP development pathways toward sustainable development in BTH.